Only twice a year does the earth’s axis tilt in a direction that is neither toward nor away from the sun, producing ‘almost’ equal amounts of day and night at all latitudes.
There are two equinoxes each year: one in September and one in March. The sun crosses from north to south across the equator in September.
The sun appears to cross the celestial equator, moving south, at the September equinox.
The September equinox may take place anywhere between September 21 and 24, but this year’s equinox will take place on September 23, due to differences between the calendar year and the tropical year.
At the equinox, the sun rises directly east and sets directly west as seen from the equator. The sun rises and sets more northerly before the September equinox and more southerly after it.
The equinox may be understood to indicate the end of astronomical summer and the beginning of astronomical autumn (autumnal equinox) in the northern hemisphere, while marking the end of astronomical winter and the beginning of astronomical spring (vernal equinox) in the southern hemisphere.
What can one study in tertiary to know more about equinox?
Astronomy
What does astronomer mean?
Astronomers are scientists that investigate the beginnings, evolution, and properties of distant objects that can be seen beyond the Earth’s atmosphere as well as the nature of the universe as a whole.
What exactly do astronomers do?
Astronomers seek to comprehend the origins, development, and future evolution of the universe. They investigate the origins and operation of interstellar dust, gas clouds, planets, stars, galaxies, and clusters of galaxies.
They accomplish this by using telescopes and other tools to observe the light from these objects, and then use physics, mathematics, and data science to interpret what they see.
What to study?
The standard undergraduate degree for astronomers is a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in physics, astronomy, mathematics, or engineering. Astronomers must also study mathematics and physics.
You need a matric exemption in physical science and mathematics with a higher mark to be admitted to this programme.
Traits of an astronomer
An interest in and talent for the fields of physics, math, and computer science.
Perseverance, endurance, self-discipline, and the capacity to deal with setbacks.
Excellent computing skills.
Strong communication abilities.
You can pursue astronomy studies in South Africa at:
University of Cape Town
University of Witwatersrand
University of the Free State
University of Johannesburg
University of Western Cape
Rhodes University
University of South Africa
African Institute for Mathematical Sciences
Career opportunities
They usually work for government research organisations like the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO), university departments, and astronomical research facilities (observatories). Graduates can also find employment in industries including data science, software development, aerospace, financial services, and telecommunication.
Source: En.wikipedia.org. 2022. September equinox – Wikipedia. [online] Available at: [Accessed 20 September 2022].
